Business
Boston-area native and CEO Paul Carbone said the company will relocate its corporate headquarters to Weston by 2027.
Panera is moving its headquarters to Massachusetts, with plans to open new corporate offices in Weston by July 2027.
In a memo to employees Tuesday, CEO Paul Carbone said the company will keep a support center in St. Louis but relocate many employees and remote positions to the new headquarters.
“Multiple factors were carefully considered to determine which roles would relocate, and we understand the personal and professional impact this may have,” the memo, obtained by Boston.com, said.
Carbone, a Boston-area native, was instated as CEO of the fast-casual restaurant in March of 2025. He first joined Panera Brands in August 2023 as chief financial officer.
Carbone previously worked at local companies, including serving as CFO at Dunkin’ Brands and SharkNinja, and as COO at Talbots. He was also previously the CFO at YETI Holdings, Inc.
In February, Panera announced it would close its Franklin bakery and lay off nearly 100 workers as it shifted to baking partially prepared bread in its restaurants.
The changes are part of the company’s three-year “Panera Rise” business strategy, which aims to refresh the menu, increase value, focus on guest experiences, and expand its network.
“We understand this is a significant change, but one that is necessary to drive forward our RISE strategy that will lead us into the future,” Carbone wrote.
Founded in 1987, Panera now operates more than 2,200 company-owned and franchised bakery-cafés across the U.S. and Canada, including 64 locations in Massachusetts.
The chain is known for its soups, salads, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and baked goods. Panera Brands also includes Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Panera is joining a growing list of companies moving their corporate headquarters to Greater Boston, including Hasbro, LEGO, and the veterinary pharmaceutical company Dechra.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.